 “Record
police funding to further boost police numbers, tackle crime and make North
Ayrshire safer” that was the message from Allan Wilson MSP following a
Scottish Executive announcement confirming that grant aided expenditure
(GAE) will rise by 12.5%.
A new system of allocation will also ensure that factors such as local crime
rates, deprivation, population, and special requirements of rural or city
policing will be considered when allocations are made. Across Scotland GAE
for Scottish police forces will rise to over £1 billion by 2007-08, with
funding in Strathclyde reaching a massive £416million by 2008/9.
Welcoming the announcement Allan Wilson MSP said “The number of recorded
crimes in the Strathclyde police force area has decreased by 7% thanks to
our investment in increased numbers of police and up to date technology.”
“While crime has reduced across the board, the largest reduction is 14% in
crimes of dishonesty. A fall in violent crime (6.1%), crimes of indecency
(9.6%) and a small reduction in vandalism (0.6%) have all contributed to the
overall fall” said Mr Wilson.
“These figures for Strathclyde are arguably the best in Scotland and while
the comparable crime rate remains high these latest figures are an excellent
step forward for Strathclyde and demonstrates that being tough on crime and
the causes of crime works to benefit communities”
“The increased resources announced by the Scottish Executive will be a
massive boost for Strathclyde Police and will help pay Police to increase
the number of frontline offices working on our streets, making our
communities safer.”
“Already in Scotland we have more police officers than ever before, while
recorded crime figures have fallen to the lowest level in almost a quarter
of a century. Police clear up rates have also increased to 47%, an all time
high.
Fellow Ayrshire MSP and Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson MSP, stated "The
Executive is committed to investing in and strengthening our police forces
to help create safer, stronger communities throughout Scotland.”
"The substantial increases I have announced today in police GAE for 2006-07
and 2007-08 highlight the importance which the Executive attaches to
preventing and tackling crime, and supporting the police in their on-going
efforts to protect the law-abiding many from the law-breaking few.”
Notes:
(1) Indicative figures for GAE allocations
are as follows:
|
Force |
2004/05
(£m) |
2007/08
(£m) |
%
|
|
Grampian |
72.3 |
90.3 |
25 |
|
Fife |
45.0 |
54.9 |
22 |
|
Central |
37.4 |
43.2 |
16 |
|
Northern |
42.1 |
48.9 |
16 |
|
Tayside |
61.8 |
70.3 |
14 |
|
Lothian & Borders |
143.6 |
62.8 |
13 |
|
Strathclyde |
370.7 |
416.9 |
12 |
|
Dumfries & Galloway |
23.3 |
26.6 |
14 |
| |
|
|
|
|
Total |
796.2 |
914.0 |
30 |
| |
|
|
|
|
Total including pensions |
939.0 |
1098.9 |
34 |
*all figures subject to confirmation by ACPOS
(2) Police numbers across Scotland (on a whole time
equivalent basis) are currently at a record high, and have increased in
recent years as follows:
a.. 2001 - 15,018
b.. 2002 - 15,111
c.. 2003 - 15,432
d.. 2004 - 15,714
|
